Hawaii Senate Bill SCR225

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation To Amend Title 13, Chapter 241, Hawaii Administrative Rules, To Expressly Require That All Vessels Required To Obtain Insurance In The State Regularly Provide Proof Of Insurance At Least On An Annual Basis.

Impact

The proposed amendment addresses ongoing concerns regarding the costs borne by the state due to uninsured vessels, particularly the expenses associated with the removal of these vessels from state waters. By requiring regular proof of insurance, the resolution could potentially decrease state expenditures related to vessel recoveries, benefiting the Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). This aligns with efforts to recover costs incurred from not only accidents but also from grounding or sinking incidents involving uninsured vessels.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 225 seeks to amend the Hawaii Administrative Rules to mandate that all vessels requiring insurance in the state provide proof of their insurance status annually. This resolution builds on previous legislation aimed at reducing the financial burden on the state when dealing with grounded or derelict vessels. By establishing a formal requirement for proof of insurance, the resolution aims to enhance accountability among vessel owners, ensuring that they are financially responsible for any incidents that may occur involving their vessels.

Contention

The resolution may face challenges from vessel owners who could view the requirement for annual proof of insurance as an additional regulatory burden. Opponents might argue that such a requirement could deter some individuals from operating recreational vessels, particularly those with limited financial resources. Conversely, proponents may argue that by increasing the standards for vessel operation through mandatory insurance checks, the overall safety and environmental impact of boating activities in Hawaii will improve.